Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Dar es Salaam International Airport
After collecting your luggage, you’ll be met by a local representative for the five-minute shuttle transfer to the Domestic Terminal.
Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park by light aircraft & 4WD
From Dar es Salaam, your light-aircraft flight of around 45 minutes takes you south-west towards the wide Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park. On landing at the remote Kiba Airstrip, you'll be met by a guide with an open 4WD from Sand Rivers for the 15-minute drive to camp.
Sand Rivers Camp
Deservingly considered to have the most stunning location in Nyerere National Park, Sand Rivers Camp matches the accolade with excellent service and guiding. Sand Rivers is a magical place. Its seductive embrace is felt as soon as you walk through the main entrance. There you stop, spellbound by the vista spread before you. The waters of the Rufiji River flowing past vast, sunbleached sandbanks populated by hippo, crocodile, waterbuck and many birds. The dazzling scene sears itself on the memory.
Deservingly considered to have the most stunning location in Nyerere National Park, Sand Rivers Camp matches the accolade with excellent service and guiding. Sand Rivers is a magical place. Its seductive embrace is felt as soon as you walk through the main entrance. There you stop, spellbound by the vista spread before you. The waters of the Rufiji River flowing past vast, sunbleached sandbanks populated by hippo, crocodile, waterbuck and many birds. The dazzling scene sears itself on the memory.
Established in 1984 by safari legend Richard Bonham, the high quality Sand Rivers camp retains a rustic, bush feel. Beautifully located along the riverbank, the light, airy, open fronted buildings attract cooling breezes whilst making the most of the setting. White washed walls and thatch roofs frame spacious rooms with mosquito net clad beds. Five standard rooms feel private and secluded and three suites offer extra lounge areas and a private outdoor plunge pool.
"One of the best we have visited over many years"
Mr & Mrs IfromUKArrived 12 Oct 2023, 4 nights
The service and guiding is superb with a wide range of activities on offer. The choice includes boat trips, fishing, walks, drives, swimming in hot pools, bush meals and fly-camping. The varied landscape includes Lake Tagalala and the Beho Beho hills with Selous’ Grave nearby (for whom the park was originally named). Exploring varied eco-systems in a quiet part of the park often means unshared magical wildlife experiences. See our full report on Sand Rivers Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Nyerere National Park to Ruaha by light aircraft & 4WD
After a short drive to the airstrip, hop on board a light aircraft for the scenic 1½-hour flight west to Ruaha National Park. A guide from Kigelia will be waiting at Msembe Airstrip for the 45-minute game drive to camp, watching out for wildlife all the way.
Kigelia Camp
Set on the banks above the Ifuguru sand river in Ruaha National Park, Kigelia is a tented camp that takes its name from the grove of sausage trees, Kigelia africana, where it nestles. With only six well-positioned tents, the camp aims to blend in with the surrounding bush, causing minimal environmental impact.
Set on the banks above the Ifuguru sand river in Ruaha National Park, Kigelia is a tented camp that takes its name from the grove of sausage trees, Kigelia africana, where it nestles. With only six well-positioned tents, the camp aims to blend in with the surrounding bush, causing minimal environmental impact.
" Lovely setting on a dried up riverbed."
Mr & Mrs NfromLondonArrived 24 Sep 2023, 3 nights
Kigelia Camp is a well-designed camp, and perfectly located for game viewing within Ruaha National Park. The area around camp is particularly good for wildlife, but the black cotton soils here mean their wet season closed period can be longer than some other camps in Ruaha. See our full report on Kigelia Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Shared transfer: Flight, Vehicle
Enjoy a final game drive from Kigelia on the way to the airstrip before boarding your light aircraft for Dar es Salaam. As the plane heads east, you'll fly over the forested slopes of Mikumi and Udzungwa national parks, coming in to land after around 2½ hours.
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
On arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be escorted to a shuttle for the International Terminal, taking just five minutes.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Balloon Safari over Ruaha
Three hours - one hour flight
Varied and scenically stunning, Ruaha National Park features rolling hills, woodlands, open plains and two wide meandering rivers: the Ruaha and the Mwagusi. What better way to view it than from the air, at sunrise? A balloon safari offers just this, the landscape unfolding below your basket as you float almost silently above.
More about Ballooning in Ruaha